Read Online Highland Fling by Shelli Stevens - Free Book Online Page A

was a little overwhelming. For more than one reason.
    She let her gaze drift around the house, before settling on the door. The image of being attacked on the front porch flitted through her head and an icy chill slid down her back.
    Whoever was looking for James knew where she lived and seemed to be holding her equally accountable. She wasn’t safe here, no matter how much she wanted to believe otherwise. He’d said she had a week, but what if he changed his mind? Wanted to up his threat a little?
    “If you’re sure—” she swallowed her pride, “—then I’d like to go to your place. And please don’t take that as a come-on, because I’m too damn tired to flirt.”
    “Understandable. I’ll treat you as I would my sister tonight, I swear it,” he murmured solemnly. “Come. Lock up and we’ll be on our way.”
    Thinking of Delonna as a sister was much easier said than done. Not that she was being suggestive or sexual around him. Quite the opposite.
    She was curled up in his recliner, legs bare below the pink boxer shorts. The gray sweatshirt she wore was oversized and fell off one shoulder.
    Her hair was in a messy bun-type thing on top of her head, and her hands were wrapped around a steaming cup of hot chocolate. Her nails were still decorated with chipped blue polish, which she’d painted last Sunday for the Seahawks game.
    When she pursed her lips and blew on the hot chocolate, the blood in his veins heated. There was something so damn down to earth and sensual about her. He wanted to take the mug from her hands and then pull each article of clothing from her body.
    What fascinated him most at this moment were her legs, long and pale, so completely on display. It was nearing November and chilly as fook. Shouldn’t she be wearing long fleece pajamas or the sort?
    “I like your place,” she murmured, glancing around over the top of her mug. “How long have you owned it?”
    “My parents bought it when they moved here from Edinburgh and we all lived here at some time or another. When they moved back to Scotland, they sold me the house for a very decent price, with the understanding that it’d be a home to my siblings should they need or want it.”
    As her brows drew together and he saw the question brewing on her lips, he continued. “And it’s not something I resented or felt blackmailed into. I love my family. Love my brothers and sister. Our parents. We’re all quite close, and as you know, Kenzie lived here until she moved into your house.”
    “Well, not really mine. I rent. But yes, I remember that. I thought it was…kind of sweet really. How protective you were of her. How you all still are.”
    “We’ve every right to be. Trouble has always found a way of following Kenzie.”
    Kenzie’s past included being nearly raped. Twice, actually, and by the same guy. Fortunately he was behind bars now.
    “You’re going to have to ease up on that overly protective brother stuff, though,” Delonna teased. “She’s got an equally loving protector now.”
    “Aye. I quite like Brett. I think he’s a perfect match for Kenzie, and I completely trust her in his hands.”
    “It’s fascinating seeing you McLaughlin guys with the women in your lives. Whether it’s your sister, or your girlfriends, or your wives. Like there’s nothing you wouldn’t do for them.”
    “And there’s not,” he agreed.
    “It has a very Highlander feel—sorry, generalizing here, I’m sure—just very old-fashioned and primitive.”
    “Highlander?” Amusement pricked through him. “You’re referencing my ancestors now, aye?”
    “What can I say? Ever since I saw you in that kilt for the bachelor auction, it’s hard to get that image out of my head.”
    She said the words lightly enough, but there was a gleam in her eyes that made him think there was some truth to her words.
    “And why should you? I look quite decent in a kilt,” he teased.
    She laughed and rolled her eyes. “And you’re not at all humble